Turkish-Bulgarian Relations: A Success Story

H.E. Mr. Haydar Berk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey

Your Excellency, the relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Turkey in the last years are marked by extreme dynamics. In what direction are our relations developing?
The Turkish-Bulgarian relations have its roots in the history with many turning points. Establishment of the Principality of Bulgaria following the Treaty of Berlin of 1878, recognition of the independence of the Kingdom of Bulgaria by the Ottoman Empire in 1909, the signing of the Treaty of Friendship in 1925 after the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, the collapse of the communist regime in Bulgaria are among the important turning points of our centuries-long history.

The Cold War that started between the Eastern and Western Blocs in the aftermath of the WWII had its impact on the Balkans as well. This negative atmosphere restricted the development of a healthy cooperation between Turkey and Bulgaria. However, following the collapse of the communist regime in 1989, democratization, economic and social reform processes, rejection of the past policies and practices of the former communist regime paved the way for new prospects and the bilateral relations have undergone a qualitative transformation during this period.

Consequently, contacts have been intensified at every level and solutions to some long-standing bilateral problems have been found. Moreover, the legal framework for improving bilateral commercial and economic relations has been finalized, resulting in a rapid increase of exchanges in these fields in a very short period of time. Thus, I believe that the last decade has a distinctive importance in our relations, namely, a success story in international relations of demonstrating how two neighbors can change the political atmosphere from tense to friendship within a decade thanks to mutual political will.

Turkey and Bulgaria are committed to further strengthening their cooperation both bilaterally and at the international fora, including their common path towards integration into the European Union. Turkey has supported Bulgaria’s efforts towards NATO membership from the outset, adopted a special law in her Parliament in 1988 and initiated the 2 + 2 process among Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in February 2002, to give support to the candidature of Bulgaria and Romania for NATO. Bulgaria’s accession to NATO has added a new dimension and brought new perspectives to our bilateral relations. The membership process – Bulgaria being in an advance stage – of the two countries to the European Union will no doubt add a new and important dimension to our relationship. We are already collaborating and exchanging information and experience in this field.

Turkey and Bulgaria, situated in a volatile region, share similar views on many international and regional issues. The two countries are coordinating their efforts for the creation of a stable and prosperous region within various international and regional organizations, such as the Stability Pact, the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, BLACKSEAFOR, SEDM, SEECP etc. Fight against the international terrorism is among the important issues that the two countries join their efforts.

Our relations are improving not only in the political field, but also in the fields of economy and trade. Thanks to the favorable political climate, we could focus on the economic and commercial relations that constitute a key component of our bilateral cooperation. The upward trend in our economic and trade relations in recent years is noteworthy. Turkey is the fifth biggest trade partner of Bulgaria. In 2003, bilateral trade volume has exceeded one billion dollar benchmark for the first time, reaching 1.3 billion dollars. It is also worth mentioning that our trade is almost balanced, only a few million Dollars in favor of Bulgaria, hence benefiting both countries.

The Turkish private sector has been showing an increased interest in investing in Bulgaria. Major Turkish companies are already in operation in the country. According to the data made public by the relevant Bulgarian authorities, Turkey leads the foreign enterprises in Bulgaria with 2.100 registered companies. That is approximately one-fourth of the total number of the registered foreign companies. Turkish direct investments in Bulgaria have reached 150.7 million US Dollars. The ground-breaking ceremony of Süisüecam’s glass production plant in Targovishte was held in July during our Prime Minister’s official visit to Bulgaria. Being one of the biggest green-field investments of 160 million USD, it will not only contribute to Bulgarian economy, but also to the bilateral economic relations between our two countries.

We also welcome the first Bulgarian investment in Turkey, the Prista Oil in Izmit and hope that it will set an example for the other Bulgarian companies.

However, there is still room for improvement in economic relations. Resolving the problems faced by Turkish businessmen in the consular field will add momentum to our economic relations. Facilitation of the visa regime and elimination of the difficulties encountered in obtaining residence and work permits will encourage the Turkish business community.

Within the context of our bilateral economic relations, Turkey, by unilaterally lifting the visa requirements for the Bulgarian citizens as of 2001, created a positive atmosphere for Bulgarian business and tourism sectors. We are pleased with the increasing trend of Bulgarian tourists who travel to Turkey. Relaxation of the visa regime for Turkish citizens will both create a big potential for Bulgarian tourism sector and contribute to the social interaction between the peoples of our two countries.

Facilitation of border crossings and modernization of border gates will further contribute to our economic relations. I believe that this is a pressing necessity and should be a priority for both Turkey and Bulgaria. Thanks to the efforts of our relevant authorities, the new border gate Hamzabeyli-Lesovo is expected to enter into operation soon.

Lately a lot has been said about the preservation of the cultural heritage on the territories of our countries. This mutual care for the maintenance of the historic monuments seems to reveal a new stage in the moral maturing of the relations between our two nations?
As for the cultural relations, restoration and protection of the immovable cultural heritage, which is of mutual interest to both countries, is an important dimension. In this context, “The Programme for cooperation in the field of protection of immovable cultural heritage” has been a major step towards the achievement of this goal. Cultural heritage present in both countries is no doubt a historical richness. The re-opening in May this year of the restored St. George Church in Edirne by the Prime Minister H.E. Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was a welcome step to this end. Likewise, we coordinate our efforts for the restoration of the Ottoman/Turkish monuments in Bulgaria.

To sum up, Turkey and Bulgaria enjoy unique bonds of friendship based on good neighborliness and mutual understanding. It goes without saying that the interests of our two countries and the stability of the region require continuation and widening of Turkish-Bulgarian cooperation at all levels. By further deepening their friendship, Turkish and Bulgarian peoples can set an example to the rest of the neighborhood and demonstrate that cooperation is the only way to attain progress and prosperity.

Juliana Tomova